New Japanese movies and series releasing in July and where to watch them
July 2025 offers a mix of Japanese anime, live-action, and classic film experiences across theatres and streaming platforms like Netflix. Some of the highly anticipated films and TV shows include JUJUTSU KAISEN, My Neighbor Totoro, and Summer Wars. Whether you enjoy drama, anime, or beloved classics, there is something for everyone.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Highly anticipated new Japanese movies
- Holy Mother (1 July)
- The Point Men (18 July)
- Gesshoku (2 July)
- JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death (16 July)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (18 July)
- My Neighbor Totoro (19 July)
- No.1 Sentai Gozyuger: Tega Sword Resurrection (25 July)
- Kamen Rider Gavv: Candy House Invader (25 July)
- Summer Wars (27 July)
- New Japanese series releasing in July
- What Japanese movies are releasing in July 2025?
- What is the Japanese movie on Netflix in July 2025?
- Are there any anime movies coming out in July 2025?
- What is the most-watched Japanese show on Netflix?
Key takeaways
- The highly anticipated animated movie JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death will premiere on 16 July 2025 in theatres and on Crunchyroll.
- Netflix's original series Glass Heart will be released on 31 July 2025.
- The Summer Hikaru Died anime series is scheduled to be released on Netflix on 5 July 2025, while the Leviathan anime series will premiere on 10 July 2025 on Netflix.
- The second part of Sakamoto Days Season 1 will premiere on 14 July 2025.
Highly anticipated new Japanese movies
The upcoming slate of Japanese entertainment brings exciting films from animation to action and thrillers. Below are some of the highly anticipated Japanese movies releasing this July.
Holy Mother (1 July)
- Genre: Sci-Fi, horror, action
- Director: Yoshihiro Nishimura
- Main cast: Anna Nagasaki
- Network: Theatre
Holy Mother is an intense Japanese sci-fi horror film directed by Japanese movie director Yoshihiro Nishimura, known for his work on Tokyo Gore Police and Meatball Machine. The film is set in a dystopian future Japan.
The story revolves around a mute woman with healing powers known as 'Holy Mother' and a Chinese yakuza organisation struggling against a fascist regime. Holy Mother premiered at the film festivals in 2024 and received a DVD release in Japan on 1 July 2025.
The Point Men (18 July)
- Genre: Action, thriller, drama
- Director: Yim Soon-rye
- Main cast: Hwang Jung-min, Hyun Bin, Kang Ki-young, Jung Jae-sung, Lee Seung-chul
- Network: Theatre (distributed by Gaga in Japan)
The Point Men is an action thriller based on the true story of the 2007 South Korean hostage crisis in Afghanistan. The film follows a diplomat named Jung Jae-ho and a National Intelligence Service agent, Park Dae-sik. They risk their lives to negotiate and execute a rescue mission for South Korean missionaries abducted by the Taliban.
The Point Men is directed by Yim Soon-rye and stars talented Korean actors Hwang Jung-min and Hyun Bin in leading roles. The initial release was in South Korea in January 2023 and is set to premiere in theatres on 18 July 2025.
Gesshoku (2 July)
- Genre: Drama, romance
- Director: Umetsugu Inoue
- Main cast: Unknown
- Network: DVD
Gesshoku was originally released in 1956 and is a classic Japanese drama and romance film. Directed by Umetsugu Inoue, the story revolves around emotional and romantic themes of mid-20th-century Japanese films. Gesshoku is being reissued on DVD in Japan on 2 July 2025, by Happinet Media Marketing under the Nikkatsu label.
JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death (16 July)
- Genre: Action, fantasy
- Director: Shōta Goshozono
- Main cast: Yuichi Nakamura, Takahiro Sakurai, Aya Endo, Anna Nagase, Takehito Koyasu
- Network: Theatre (distributed by GKIDS in North America), Crunchyroll
JUJUTSU KAISEN is a compilation movie adapting one of the most emotional pieces from the Jujutsu Kaisen manga and anime series. The story takes place in 2006, following Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto, two close friends and powerful jujutsu sorcerers during their high school days.
Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto are tasked with protecting Riko Amana, the Star Plasma Vessel, who is destined to be sacrificed to maintain the balance of the jujutsu world. This film was originally released in Japan on 30 May 2025 and will premiere in U.S. theatres on July 16, 2025
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (18 July)
- Genre: Fantasy, action
- Director: Haruo Sotozaki
- Main cast: Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitō, Hiro Shimono, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Reina Ueda
- Network: Theatre distribution by Sony Pictures
The film is part of a three-film trilogy adapted from Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle is directed by Haruo Sotozaki. The film features Japanese actors Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitō, Hiro Shimono, and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka in the lead.
The film continues the story of Tanjiro Kamado and the Demon Slayer Corps. The two confront Muzan Kibutsuji and his biggest demons within the ominous Infinity Castle. The movie premiered in Japan on 18 July 2025.
My Neighbor Totoro (19 July)
- Genre: Animation, fantasy, family
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Main cast: Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Hitoshi Takagi
- Network: Theatre (Studio Ghibli Fest)
My Neighbor Totoro is the classic 1988 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film tells the story of two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei. They move to the village and encounter magical forest spirits, including the iconic Totoro.
This July, My Neighbor Totoro returns to theatres worldwide as part of the Studio Ghibli Fest 2025. It will give audiences a rare opportunity to experience the classic film on the big screen once again.
No.1 Sentai Gozyuger: Tega Sword Resurrection (25 July)
- Genre: Action, Tokusatsu, Superhero
- Director: Ryuta Tasaki
- Main cast: Mio Fuyuno, Hideharu Suzuki, Masakazu Kanda, Jin Matsumoto
- Network: Theatre in Japan
No.1 Sentai Gozyuger: Tega Sword Resurrection is a 2025 Japanese film celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Super Sentai franchise. It follows the Gozyugers as they face the return of a disaster that triggered the Universe War.
The powerful Tega Sword has been defeated by the remnants of the Calamity led by Pestis. No.1 Sentai Gozyuger: Tega Sword Resurrection reveals the shocking origin of the Tega Sword and emphasises the theme of unity.
Kamen Rider Gavv: Candy House Invader (25 July)
- Genre: Action, Tokusatsu, Superhero
- Director: Teruaki Sugihara
- Main cast: Hidekazu Chinen, Yusuke Hino, Nozomi Miyabe
- Network: Theatre in Japan
Kamen Rider Gavv: Candy House Invader is a 2025 tokusatsu superhero film continuing the story of the Kamen Rider Gavv TV series. The movie follows protagonist Shoma, played by film actor Hidekazu Chinen, as he is pulled into a peaceful alternate world where Dark Treats do not exist.
Shoma meets Taorin, a young man with no memory of his past who also has Gavv’s power. Together, they confront a new threat named Caries. Kamen Rider Gavv: Candy House Invader will be released on July 25, 2025, alongside No. 1 Sentai Gozyuger: Tega Sword Resurrection.
Summer Wars (27 July)
- Genre: Sci-Fi, adventure, anime
- Director: Mamoru Hosoda
- Main cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Nanami Sakuraba, Mitsuki Tanimura, Shingo Murakami
- Network: Theatre release by GKIDS
Summer Wars is a critically acclaimed 2009 Japanese animated film directed by Mamoru Hosoda. The story follows Kenji Koiso, a shy high school student and math genius, who is recruited by his crush, Natsuki, to pose as her boyfriend during a family reunion.
A rogue AI named Love Machine hijacks the virtual world OZ and wreaks havoc in the real world. Kenji and Natsuki’s family must come together to stop the cyber catastrophe. Summer Wars returns to theatres in a new 4K edition from 27 July to 29 July 2025.
New Japanese series releasing in July
July 2025 is going to be an exhilarating month for Japanese series enthusiasts. The month offers a diverse array of genres, from romantic comedy to intense action thrillers and animation. Below is a list of Japanese shows you can binge on in July.
The Summer Hikaru Died (5 July 2025)
- Genre: Horror, supernatural, psychological
- Director: Ryohei Takeshita
- Main cast: Chiaki Kobayashi, Shûichirô Umeda
- Network: Netflix
The Summer Hikaru Died is a horror anime series adapted from Mokumokuren's manga. It follows the story of Yoshiki, a teenager whose close friend Hikaru dies in a tragic accident. However, Hikaru returns but he is not himself as he is possessed by something strange.
Yoshiki struggles to come to terms with the unsettling presence of his friend. The series is directed by Ryohei Takeshita and premiered on Netflix on 5 July 2025, with new episodes being released weekly.
Leviathan (10 July)
- Genre: Fiction, adventure
- Director: Christophe Ferreira
- Main cast: Ayumu Murase, Natsumi Fujiwara
- Network: Netflix
Leviathan is one of the highly anticipated Japanese series. The show is adapted from Scott Westerfeld's acclaimed Leviathan novel trilogy and is set in 1914 on the eve of World War I.
The story follows a fugitive Austrian prince, voiced by Ayumu Murase, and a girl disguised as a boy, voiced by Japanese actress Natsumi Fujiwara. The two embark on a daring journey aboard an airship named the HMS Leviathan. The series is directed by Christophe Ferreira and premieres globally on Netflix on 10 July 2025.
Sakamoto Days Season 1 Part 2 (14 July)
- Genre: Action, comedy, crime
- Director: Masaki Watanabe
- Main cast: Tomokazu Sugita, Koki Uchiyama, Yuki Ono, Yuko Kaida
- Network: Netflix, TV Tokyo
Sakamoto Days is a Netflix original anime series adaptation of Yuto Suzuki’s manga. It follows Taro Sakamoto, a legendary hitman who retired to live a peaceful life running a convenience store.
However, he is forced to return to action to protect his family and friends. The first part of Season 1 premiered in January 2025, with Part 2 set to air on July 14, 2025, on Netflix and TV Tokyo.
My Melody & Kuromi (24 July)
- Genre: Animation, fantasy, family
- Director: Tomoki Misato
- Main cast: Rei Sakuma, Junko Takeuchi, Megumi Han, Kenji Nojima
- Network: Netflix
My Melody & Kuromi is a charming Japanese animated series celebrating the 50th anniversary of My Melody and the 20th anniversary of Kuromi. The series director is Tomoki Misato, and the film producer is Toruku Studio.
My Melody & Kuromi is set in the whimsical world of Mariland. My Melody runs a thriving cake shop while Kuromi’s Japanese sweets shop is across the street. The two prepare for a sweets-making contest judged by Pistachio, an incident that threatens the fate of Mariland.
Glass Heart (31 July)
- Genre: Musical drama, romance
- Director: Kensaku Kakimoto, Kotaro Goto
- Main cast: Takeru Satoh, Yu Miyazaki, Keita Machida, Jun Shison, Masaki Suda
- Network: Netflix
Glass Heart is another highly anticipated Japanese series set to premiere on Netflix on 31 July 2025. The musical drama is an adaptation of Mio Wakagi’s novel.
The series revolves around Akane Saijo, a talented college drummer who faces a sudden setback when she is kicked out of her band. Her fortunes change when she is discovered by Naoki Fujitani, a brilliant and enigmatic musician who invites her to join his new band, Tenblank.
What Japanese movies are releasing in July 2025?
The Japanese movies being released in July include JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle, No.1 Sentai Gozyuger: Tega Sword Resurrection, and My Neighbor Totoro.
What is the Japanese movie on Netflix in July 2025?
There are no Japanese movies on Netflix this July. However, you can watch Japanese series including The Summer Hikaru Died, Leviathan, and Sakamoto Days.
Are there any anime movies coming out in July 2025?
Yes, several anime movies are coming out in July 2025, including Summer Wars, My Neighbor Totoro, and JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death.
What is the most-watched Japanese show on Netflix?
The most popular Japanese show on Netflix right now is Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. It's been airing for about a year and a half. Other popular Japanese shows include The Apothecary Diaries and Sakamoto Days.
July 2025 is packed with exciting new Japanese movies and series, from blockbuster anime films like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory to fresh series such as Glass Heart and My Melody & Kuromi. You can catch these movies and shows in theatres and on platforms like Netflix.
Legit.ng published an article about new K-dramas released in June and July 2025. New K-dramas and films including Mercy for None, Hunter with a Scalpel, and Salon de Holmes aired in June 2025 while The Good Man and Law and the City will premiere in July.
K-drama fans can watch shows like Head Over Heels, Ball Boy Tactics, and Our Movie. You can also watch The Woman Who Swallowed the Sun and Squid Game Season 3 on Netflix. Find out what K-drama aired in June and what to look out for in July.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
